Factors Associated with Good and Harsh Parenting of Pre-Adolescents and Adolescents in Southern Africa

Background: There is limited research on the factors associated with parenting and the subsequent outcomes for children and adolescents in southern Africa. Evidence from the global north shows the importance of parenting on child development. There is a pressing need for such research in the global south, in order to inform the development of effective interventions to support families. Method:This working paper presents findings from the analyses of two different observational studies of caregiver-pre-adolescent (4-13 years, referred to as the ‘pre-adolescent study’) and caregiver-adolescent (10-17 years, referred to as the ‘adolescent study’) dyads. Regression and structural equation modelling techniques are used to identify practices constituting good and harsh parenting, factors associated with these parenting behaviours and child and adolescent outcomes. Results: Poverty and stigma were found to be negatively associated with good parenting of pre-adolescents whilst biological parents, depression and multiple adults within a household were positively associated. Good parenting in pre-adolescents was associated with fewer educational risks and behavioural problems as well as increased self-esteem, mediated by child trauma and depression. In adolescents, family disadvantage (poverty, AIDS-ill caregiver and caregiver disability) were found to be associated with an increase in harsh parenting and poor caregiver mental health, both of which were associated with increased adolescent health risks. Conclusion:These findings show the importance of parenting for pre-adolescent and adolescent outcomes in southern Africa. They also show that structural disadvantage factors are major predictors of less good parenting. Better support for parents living in high-risk contexts is clearly essential if we are to promote the health and well-being of the next generation.